International students planning to remain in Australia after graduation will now face significantly higher visa costs. The Australian government has increased the application fee for its Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), a key visa that allows foreign students to stay and work in the country after completing their studies.
The new fee took effect on March 1, 2026, and applies to graduates applying for post-study work rights in Australia.
New Application Cost
The visa application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa has doubled from AUD 2,300 to AUD 4,600, making it the most expensive post-study work visa in the world.
This visa allows international graduates to remain and work in Australia for between 18 months and three years, depending on their qualification and visa stream. It is also commonly used as a pathway toward permanent residency for many international students.
Higher Fees for Dependants
The fee increase also affects applicants who include family members in their visa application.
- Partners or dependants aged 18 and above: AUD 2,300
- Children under 18: about AUD 1,150
These additional charges significantly increase the overall cost for applicants applying with family members.
Rising Costs for International Students
The increase in the post-study work visa fee is part of a broader trend of rising costs for international students in Australia.
Over the past few years, the government has also increased student visa fees and tightened several immigration requirements for foreign students. For example, the Australian student visa (Subclass 500) currently costs around AUD 2,000, making it one of the most expensive study visa fees globally.
These changes are expected to influence how prospective students evaluate Australia as a study destination, particularly when calculating the overall cost of studying and working abroad.
What This Means for Students
For international students, post-study work rights are often an important factor when choosing where to study. The ability to gain work experience after graduation can help offset the cost of education and improve long-term immigration opportunities.
With the significant increase in visa fees, students considering Australia may need to plan their finances carefully and fully understand the immigration requirements before applying.
Planning to Study Abroad?
Immigration policies and visa costs can change quickly, making it important to work with professionals who understand the process. If you need assistance with school admissions, study visa applications, or planning your study abroad journey, expert guidance can make the process easier.
For support with studying abroad or visa processing, contact RoutePal:
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